Gaming Machine And Controlling Method Thereof

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine carries out effects, before displaying a front face of a card selected by a player this time, in a case where a difference between a number described on a card selected by a player this time and a number described on a card selected by a player previous time becomes greater than or equal to a prescribed value.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/992,472 filed on Dec. 5, 2007, and which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine for playing games and a controlling method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

As a related gaming machine, a card game disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,821 is known. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,821, as a primary game, five cards are distributed to a player, and a player holds some of the distributed five cards while changing other cards to some other cards. Then, a prize is generated when a winning combination is realized.

In addition, when a prize is generated, it is possible to select whether or not to carry out a double up game as a second game. In the case of not carrying out the double up game, medals or credit corresponding to a prize generated by the primary game will be paid. On the other hand, in the case of carrying out the double up game, with respect to a card on which a number is shown in advance, a player makes a judgment as to whether a number shown on a front face of a card with its back face shown is larger or smaller than a number described on a card with its front face shown in advance, and if this judgment is correct, a prize generated by the primary game is doubled, whereas if this judgment is not correct, a prize generated by the primary game is confiscated.

Consequently, for a player, carrying out the second game means there arises a chance to obtain a greater prize, but at the same time there is also a possibility for losing a prize obtained by the primary game.

As such, in the conventional gaming machine, it has only been such that a prize is increased or decreased by judging whether a card held by a player is larger or smaller compared with a predetermined card. For this reason, there has been a demand for an appearance of a gaming machine having a gaming feature with a new entertainment aspect devised in terms of effects, unlike such a card game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine, comprising: an effect device having a display configured to display a plurality of cards; a selection switch configured to enable a player to select a card displayed on the display; and a controller configured to (a) judge a prescribed condition upon a credit being bet, (b) display back faces of the plurality of cards with numbers described on front faces of the plurality of cards on the display upon satisfaction of the prescribed condition, (c) enable the player to sequentially select m pieces (m is an integer greater than or equal to 2) of cards from the plurality of cards with the back faces displayed on the display, (d) judge a notification condition for an n-th (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to m) card selected by the player, that a difference between a comparison target number described on the n-th card and a comparison reference number described on any of cards selected by the player before the n-th card becomes a prescribed value or more, (e) cause the effect device to carry out effects indicating satisfaction of the notification condition upon satisfaction of the notification condition, (i) display a front face of the n-th card selected by the player on the display, after the effects are carried out upon satisfaction of the notification condition for the n-th card, or after the n-th card is selected by the player in any other cases, (g) calculate a total of numbers described on the m pieces of cards selected by the player, and (h) provide a prize corresponding to the total.

In the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, effects indicating satisfaction of the notification condition are carried out when the notification condition is satisfied for the n-th card selected by the player and afterwards a front face of the n-th card selected by the player on the display is displayed.

A second aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine, comprising: an effect device having a display configured to display a plurality of cards; a selection switch configured to enable a player to select a card displayed on the display; and a controller configured to (a) judge a prescribed condition upon a credit being bet, (b) determine an initial value of a prize to be provided to the player upon satisfaction of the prescribed condition, (c) display back faces of the plurality of cards with numbers described on front faces of the plurality of cards on the display upon satisfaction of the prescribed condition, (d) enable the player to sequentially select m pieces (m is an integer greater than or equal to 1) of cards from the plurality of cards with the back faces displayed on the display, (e) judge a notification condition for an n-th (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m) card selected by the player, that a comparison target number described on the n-th card is greater than a comparison reference number described on an (n−1)-th card selected by the player by a prescribed value or more, by regarding the initial value as a number described on a 0-th card selected by the player, (f) cause the effect device to carry out effects indicating satisfaction of the notification condition upon satisfaction of the notification condition, (g) display a front face of the n-th card selected by the player on the display, after the effects are carried out upon satisfaction of the notification condition for the n-th card, or after the n-th card is selected by the player in any other cases, (h) calculate a total of numbers described on the m pieces of cards selected by the player upon satisfaction of the notification condition for all the cards selected by the player, and (i) provide a prize corresponding to the total.

In the gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, a prize is provided when the notification condition is satisfied for all the cards selected by the player.

A third aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine, comprising: an effect device having a display configured to display a plurality of cards; a selection switch configured to enable a player to select a card displayed on the display; and a controller configured to (a) judge a prescribed condition upon a credit being bet, (b) display back faces of the plurality of cards with numbers described on front faces of the plurality of cards on the display upon satisfaction of the prescribed condition, (c) enable the player to sequentially select m pieces (m is an integer greater than or equal to 2) of cards from the plurality of cards with the back faces displayed on the display, (d) judge a notification condition for an n-th (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to m) card selected by the player, that a difference between a comparison target number described on the n-th card and a comparison reference number described on any of cards selected by the player before the n-th card becomes a prescribed value or more, (e) cause the effect device to carry out effects indicating satisfaction of the notification condition upon satisfaction of the notification condition, (f) display front faces of all the cards selected by the player on the display simultaneously, after the effects are carried out for all cards satisfying the notification condition, (g) calculate a total of numbers described on the m pieces of cards selected by the player, and (h) provide a prize corresponding to the total.

In the gaming machine according to the third aspect of the present invention, front faces of all the cards selected by the player are displayed on the display simultaneously after the effects are carried out for all cards satisfying the notification condition.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a method of controlling a gaming machine, the method comprising the steps of judging a prescribed condition upon a credit being bet, displaying back faces of a plurality of cards with numbers described on front faces of the plurality of cards on a display upon satisfaction of the prescribed condition, enabling a player to sequentially select m pieces (m is an integer greater than or equal to 2) of cards from the plurality of cards with the back faces displayed on the display, judging a notification condition for an n-th (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to m) card selected by the player, that a difference between a comparison target number described on the n-th card and a comparison reference number described on any of cards selected by the player before the n-th card becomes a prescribed value or more, causing an effect device having the display to carry out effects indicating satisfaction of the notification condition upon satisfaction of the notification condition, displaying a front face of the n-th card selected by the player on the display, after the effects are carried out upon satisfaction of the notification condition for the n-th card, or after the n-th card is selected by the player in any other cases, calculating a total of numbers described on the m pieces of cards selected by the player, and providing a prize corresponding to the total.

In the method of controlling a gaming machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, effects indicating satisfaction of the notification condition are carried out when the notification condition is satisfied for the n-th card selected by the player and afterwards a front face of the n-th card selected by the player on the display is displayed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an outline of a processing by a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outward configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a processing by a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a processing by a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a processing by a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a processing by a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a display image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an outline of a processing to be carried out by a gaming machine 14 according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a diagram of an outward appearance of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment, FIG. 3 is a diagram of a circuit configuration of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of an image to be displayed on a liquid crystal display 21, and in the following, a processing common to all embodiments will be described with references to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 8.

At the step S1, a controller 40 shown in FIG. 3 waits until there is a BET input by a player. In this processing, the controller 40 detects the BET input when a player inserts coins from a coin insertion slot 29 shown in FIG. 2 or inserts bills from a bill insertion slot 30 and presses a BET switch 23 or a MAXBET switch 24.

At the step S2, the controller 40 executes a first game when a prescribed period of time has elapsed after detecting the BET input or when a start switch 35 is pressed after detecting the BET input. The first game can be any kind of game, such as a slot game, a trump game, a horse racing game, a roulette game, etc.

At the step S3, the controller 40 judges a condition that a prescribed condition is satisfied. The prescribed condition can be anything, such as a condition that a prize is generated by the first game, for example. In the case where the prescribed condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S4, whereas in the case where the prescribed condition is not satisfied, the processing is terminated.

By carrying out a processing of the step S4 and subsequent steps, the controller 40 executes a second game. The second game is such that a player is made to select a plurality of cards, and a prize corresponding to a total of numbers described on selected cards will be given (provided).

At the step S4, the controller 40 displays back sides of eight cards on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 8. These cards have numbers described on their front faces and symbols drawn on their back faces.

At the step S5, the controller 40 makes the player to select any one card among the cards with their back faces shown. More specifically, the controller 40 accepts a signal from a touch panel 31. The player selects a card by touching a portion facing against a card on the touch panel 31.

At the step S6, the controller 40 makes the player to select any one card among the unselected cards with their back faces shown.

At the step S7, the controller 40 judges a notification condition. The notification condition is such that a difference between a number described on a card selected by the player this time and a number described on a card selected by the player previously becomes greater than or equal to a prescribed value. In the case where the notification condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S8, whereas in the case where the notification condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S9.

At the step S8, the controller 40 carries out an effect indicating that the notification condition is satisfied. This effect is made by sounds or images.

At the step S9, the controller 40 judges a condition that the player selected a prescribed number of cards, and in the case where this condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S10, whereas in the case where this condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S6.

At the step S10, the controller 40 calculates a total of numbers described on cards selected by the player, and gives a prize corresponding to the total. More specifically, the controller 40 pays as many coins as the total from a payout opening 32. After that, the controller 40 terminates the processing.

Next, a detailed configuration of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outward appearance of the gaming machine 14 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 14 has a liquid crystal display 21 for displaying various images, a speaker 22, a BET switch 23 for betting one credit, a MAXBET switch 24 for betting a maximum amount of credit, a start switch 35 for starting the first game, a credit amount display 25 for displaying a current amount of credit, a BET amount display 26 for displaying a BET amount, and a payout switch 27 for carrying out a payout of coins.

In addition, it has a coin insertion slot 20 for inserting coins, a ticket printer 28 for printing out data concerning the play such as a payout amount, a bill insertion slot 30 for inserting bills, and a lamp 52.

Also, on a lower side of the gaming machine 14, a payout opening 32 from which coins will be paid is provided, and in addition, on a lower side of this payout opening 32, a lower tray 33 for accumulating paid coins is provided.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the controller 40 provided on the gaming machine 14 according to the first embodiment and various devices connected to this controller 40. The controller 40 of the gaming machine 14 shown in FIG. 3 is a micro-computer, and has an interface circuit group 102, an input/output bus 104, a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a communication interface circuit 49, a random number generator 48, a speaker driving circuit 46, a hopper driving circuit 45, a display driving circuit 47, and a liquid crystal driving circuit 44.

The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the input/output bus 104, and this input/output bus 104 carries out input/output of data signals or address signals with respect to the CPU 41.

To the interface circuit group 102, the BET switch 23, the MAXBET switch 24, the payout switch 27 and the start switch 35 are connected. Then, the switching signals outputted from these switches 23, 24, 27 and 35 are supplied to the interface circuit group 102, and transmitted to the CPU 41 through the input/output bus 104 after being converted into prescribed signals at this interface circuit group 102.

In addition, to the interface circuit group 102, a coin sensor 51 is connected. The coin sensor 51 is a sensor for detecting coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 29, which is provided at a coin insertion portion of the coin insertion slot 29. The detection signal outputted from this coin sensor 51 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102, and transmitted to the CPU 41 through the input/output bus 104 after being converted into prescribed signals at this interface circuit group 102. Moreover, to the interface circuit group 102, the ticket printer 28 and a bill reading sensor 50 are connected. The controller 40 transmits data to the ticket printer 28 through the interface circuit group 102, and the ticket printer 28 prints out data given from the controller 40. The bill reading sensor 50 is a sensor for detecting bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 30, which is provided at a bill insertion portion of the bill insertion slot 30. The detection signal outputted from this bill insertion slot 30 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102, and transmitted to the CPU 41 through the input/output bus 104 after being converted into prescribed signals at this interface circuit group 102.

To the input/output bus 104, the ROM 42 for storing a system program and the RAM 43 for storing various data are connected. In addition, to the input/output bus 104, the random number generator 48, the communication interface circuit 49, the liquid crystal driving circuit 44, the touch panel 31, the hopper driving circuit 45, the speaker driving circuit 46, and the display driving circuit 47 are connected.

The CPU 41 executes the first game at a timing when the BET switch 23 or the MAXBET switch 24 is pressed and the start switch 35 is pressed. In addition, the CPU 41 executes the second game on a condition that a prescribed condition is satisfied.

The communication interface circuit 49 is connected to a hall server and the like, and transmits data of log of plays executed by this gaming machine 14 and the like to the hall server. It also receives various data transmitted from the hall server.

The random number generator 48 generates random numbers in a range of 0 to 1000. These random numbers are integers.

The display driving circuit 47 carries out a control for displaying a credit amount on the credit amount display 25 and displaying a BET amount on the BET amount display 26. In addition, it controls turning ON and turning OFF of the display lamp 52.

The speaker driving circuit 46 outputs speech data to the speaker 22. Namely, the CPU 41 reads out the speech data stored in the ROM 42, and transmits this speech data to the speaker driving circuit 46 through the input/output bus 104. In this way, prescribed effect sounds will be generated from the speaker 22.

The hopper driving circuit 45 outputs a payout signal to a hopper 101 when the payout switch 27 is pressed. Namely, when the payout switch 27 is pressed and the payout signal is inputted, the CPU 41 outputs a driving signal to the hopper driving circuit 45 through the input/output bus 104. In this way, the hopper 101 pays coins corresponding to a remaining amount of credit at that moment which is stored in a prescribed memory region of the RAM 43.

The liquid crystal driving circuit 44 carries out a control for displaying various images at the liquid crystal display 21. Namely, the CPU 41 generates a signal for image display command according to a progress of the first game and the second game, and outputs this image display command signal to the liquid crystal driving circuit 44 through the input/output bus 104. When the image display command signal outputted from the CPU 41 is inputted, the liquid crystal driving circuit 44 generates a driving signal for driving the liquid crystal display 21 according to this image display command, and outputs this generated driving signal to the liquid crystal display 21. In this way, a prescribed image will be displayed on the liquid crystal display 21.

On a surface of the liquid crystal display 21, the touch panel 31 is provided, and when the player touches the touch panel 31, an input signal according to this touched position will be inputted into the liquid crystal driving circuit 44.

Next, with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 4, a processing to be executed by the gaming machine 14 according to the first embodiment will be described.

At the step S11, the controller 40 shown in FIG. 3 waits until there is a BET input by the player. At the step S12, the controller 40 executes the first game when a prescribed period of time has elapsed after detecting the BET input or when the start switch 35 is pressed after detecting the BET input.

At the step S13, the controller 40 judges a condition that a prescribed condition is satisfied. In the case where the prescribed condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S14, whereas in the case where the prescribed condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 terminates the processing. By carrying out the processing of the step S14 and subsequent steps, the controller 40 executes the second game.

At the step S14, the controller 40 acquires eight random numbers from the random number generator 48, and generates eight cards with the acquired random numbers described on their front faces and symbols described on their back faces. The controller 40 displays the back faces of the generated cards A1 to A8 on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 8.

At the step S15, the controller 40 makes the player to select any one card among the cards with their back faces shown. More specifically, the controller 40 accepts a signal from the touch panel 31. The player selects a card by touching a portion facing against a card on the touch panel 31.

At the step S16, the controller 40 displays a front face of the card selected first by the player (the card selected by the player at the step S15, which will also be referred to as a “first card” in the following). For example, in the case where the player selected a card A7, the controller 40 displays a front face of the card A7 as shown in FIG. 9. Here, “200” is described on the front face of the card A7.

At the step S17, the controller 40 sets an initial value 2 to a card selection counter. This counter is formed in the RAM 43. A value of the card selection counter will be denoted as n.

At the step S18, the controller 40 makes the player to select any one card among the unselected cards with their back faces shown.

At the step S19, the controller 40 judges whether the notification condition is satisfied or not for the n-th card selected by the player (which will also be referred as an “n-th card” in the following). This notification condition is such that “a difference between a comparison target number described on that card and a comparison reference number described on the (n−1)-th card selected by the player becomes greater than or equal to a prescribed value”. The prescribed value is set to be 200, for example. In the case where the notification condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S20, whereas in the case where the notification condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S21.

A difference between the comparison target number and the comparison reference number is calculated by subtracting a smaller number from a larger number among these numbers. In the case where these numbers are the same, the difference becomes 0. By the steps S18 to S23, a processing cycle is formed. The n-th card selected by the player is a card selected by the player at the step S18 of the current processing cycle. The (n−1)-th card selected by the player is a card selected by the player at the step S18 of the processing cycle that is once previous to the current processing cycle in the case where n is greater than or equal to 3, or a card selected by the player at the step S15 in the case where n is equal to 2.

At the step S20, the controller 40 carries out an effect indicating that the notification condition is satisfied. More specifically, the controller 40 outputs a sound “piroleen” from the speaker 22 as shown in FIG. 10. The sound is described in the figure conveniently for an easier comprehension. The controller 40 may display an image of a successful rocket firework (in which a launched firework ball is blasted afterwards) around the n-th card selected by the player (which is the card A4 here), as shown in FIG. 11. In either case of when the comparison target number is larger or smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, the notification condition is satisfied, and the same effect is carried out in either case in the first embodiment.

At the step S21, the controller 40 displays a front face of the n-th card selected by the player. Consequently, the n-th card selected by the player has its front face displayed in the case where that card satisfies the notification condition, after the effect indicating that the notification condition is satisfied is carried out, before the player selects a next card. In the case where that card does not satisfy the notification condition, the n-th card selected by the player has its front face displayed, after the player selected that card, before the player selects a next card. Namely, in the first embodiment, the controller 40 displays a front face of a card every time the player selects a card.

For example, in the case where “400” and “200” are described on the cards A4 and A7, respectively, and the prescribed value is 200, the controller 40 carries out the following processing. Namely, in the case where the player selected the card A7 first, a front face of the card A7 is displayed as shown in FIG. 9, before the player selects a next card. Then, in the case where the player selected the card A4 next, the difference between the number “400” described on the card A4 and the number “200” described on the card A7 becomes greater than or equal to the prescribed value, so that the controller 40 carries out an effect indicating that the notification condition is satisfied as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11. After that, the controller 40 displays a front face of the card A4 as shown in FIG. 12, before the player selects a next card.

Similarly, in the case where “0” and “200” are described on the cards A4 and A7, respectively, and the prescribed value is 200, the controller 40 carries out the following processing. Namely, in the case where the player selected the card A7 first, a front face of the card A7 is displayed as shown in FIG. 9, before the player selects a next card. Then, in the case where the player selected the card A4 next, the difference between the number “0” described on the card A4 and the number “200” described on the card A7 becomes greater than or equal to the prescribed value, so that the controller 40 carries out an effect indicating that the notification condition is satisfied as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11. After that, the controller 40 displays a front face of the card A4 as shown in FIG. 13, before the player selects a next card.

At the step S22, the controller 40 judges a condition that a value n of the card selection counter is a prescribed number m, and in the case where this condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S24, whereas in the case where this condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S23. m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, such as 3, for example.

At the step S23, the controller 40 increases a value n of the card selection counter by 1. After that, the controller 40 returns to the step S18.

At the step S24, the controller 40 calculates a total of the numbers described on the cards selected by the player. For example, in the case where m=3, the player selected cards A1, A4 and A7, and “300”, “400” and “200” are described on these cards, respectively, as shown in FIG. 16, the controller 40 calculates the total as “900”.

At the step S25, the controller 40 gives a prize corresponding to the total. More specifically, the controller 40 pays as many coins as the total from the payout opening 32. After that, the controller 40 terminates the processing.

By the above, the gaming machine 14 according to the first embodiment carries out the effect indicating that the notification condition is satisfied when the n-th card selected by the player satisfies the notification condition, and after that, it displays a front face of the n-th card selected by the player. Consequently, the gaming machine 14 has a gaming feature having a new entertainment aspect devised in terms of effects. In addition, the gaming machine 14 can make the player to hold an expectation that the number on the n-th card is largely different from the number on the (n−1)-th card and eventually make the player to maintain an interest in the selection of the card, by carrying out these effects.

In addition, the gaming machine 14 gives a prize corresponding to the total of the numbers described on the cards selected by the player, so that it can instigate the player to have an aspiration to select a card with as large a number described thereon as possible, and eventually it can make the player to maintain an interest with respect to the game.

In addition, the comparison reference number is a number described on the (n−1)-th card selected by the player, so that the gaming machine 14 can make the player interested in the (n−1)-th card selected by the player.

Second Embodiment

Next, the second embodiment will be described. Note that the configuration of the gaming machine 14 is the same as in the first embodiment, so that the description regarding the configuration will be omitted. It is the same for the embodiment subsequent to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the comparison reference number is different from that described above (the first embodiment). Namely, the comparison reference number according to the second embodiment is a number described on any one of the cards selected by the player before the n-th one.

Consequently, in the case where the number on the third card selected by the player is “300”, the number on the second card selected by the player is “200”, the number on the first card selected by the player is “100”, and the prescribed number is 200, the difference between the number of the third card selected by the player and the number on the first card selected by the player becomes greater than or equal to the prescribed value, so that the gaming machine 14 carries out the effects of the step S20 when the player selected the third card.

The gaming machine 14 according to the second embodiment can make the player to maintain an interest in all the cards selected before the n-th card selected by the player.

Third Embodiment

Next, the third embodiment will be described. The gaming machine 14 according to the third embodiment carries out different effects in the case where the comparison target number is greater than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more and in the case where the comparison target number is smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more.

More specifically, at the step S20, in the case where the comparison target number is greater than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, the gaming machine 14 outputs a sound “piroleen” from the speaker 22 as shown in FIG. 10, and in the case where the comparison target number is smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, the gaming machine 14 outputs a sound “dorolorn” from the speaker 22 as shown in FIG. 14. Note that in the case where the comparison target number is greater than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, the controller 40 may display an image of a successful rocket firework around the n-th card selected by the player (the card A4 here), as shown in FIG. 11. Similarly, in the case where the comparison target number is smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, the controller 40 may display an unsuccessful rocket firework (in which the firework ball is launched but disappears without being blasted) around the n-th card selected by the player (the card A4 here), as shown in FIG. 15.

For example, in the case where “400” and “200” are described on the cards A4 and A7, respectively, and the prescribed value is 200, the controller 40 carries out the following processing. Namely, when the player selected a card A7 first, a front face of the card A7 is displayed as shown in FIG. 9, before the player selects a next card. Then, when the player selects a card A4 next, the controller 40 carries out an effect shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, because the number “400” described on the card A4 is greater than the number “200” described on the card A7 by a prescribed value or more. After that, the controller 40 displays a front face of the card A4 as shown in FIG. 12, before the player selects a next card.

On the other hand, in the case where “0” and “200” are described on the cards A4 and A7, respectively, and the prescribed value is 200, the controller 40 carries out the following processing. Namely, when the player selected a card A7 first, a front face of the card A7 is displayed as shown in FIG. 9, before the player selects a next card. Then, when the player selects a card A4 next, the controller 40 carries out an effect shown in FIG. 14 or FIG. 15, because the number “0” described on the card A4 is smaller than the number “200” described on the card A7 by a prescribed value or more. After that, the controller 40 displays a front face of the card A4 as shown in FIG. 13, before the player selects a next card.

As described above, the gaming machine 14 according to the third embodiment carries out different effects in the case where the comparison target number is greater than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more and in the case where the comparison target number is smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more. Consequently, the gaming machine 14 can make the player to have an expectation that wishes for having a number for which a difference with the comparison reference number is as large as possible displayed, in the case where the comparison target number is greater than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, and make the player to have an expectation that wishes for having a number for which a difference with the comparison reference number is as small as possible displayed, in the case where the comparison target number is smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more.

In the case where the prescribed value is 0, a sound “piroleen”, a sound “dorolorn”, or any other sound may be adopted in the above described effect.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. The gaming machine 14 according to the fourth embodiment carries out a processing different from the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a processing to be carried out by the gaming machine 14 according to the fourth embodiment.

At the step S26, the controller 40 shown in FIG. 3 waits until there is a BET input by the player. At the step S27, the controller 40 executes the first game when a prescribed period of time has elapsed after detecting the BET input or when the start switch 35 is pressed after detecting the BET input.

At the step S28, the controller 40 judges a condition that a prescribed condition is satisfied. In the case where the prescribed condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S29, whereas in the case where the prescribed condition is not satisfied, the processing is terminated. By carrying out a processing of the step S29 and subsequent steps, the controller 40 executes the second game.

At the step S29, the controller 40 sets a bonus initial value within a range of 0 to 200.

At the step S30, the controller 40 acquires seven random numbers from the random number generator 48, and generates eight cards with the bonus initial value or the acquired random numbers described on their front faces and symbols drawn on their back faces. The controller 40 displays the back faces of the generated cards A1 to A8 on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 8.

At the step S31, the controller 40 displays a front face of a card on which the bonus initial value is described. For example, in the case where the bonus initial value is “200” and the bonus initial value is described on the card A7, the gaming machine 14 displays an image shown in FIG. 9.

At the step S32, the controller 40 sets 1 that is an initial value to the card selection counter. This counter is formed in the RAM 43.

At the step S33, the controller 40 makes the player to select any one card among the unselected cards with their back faces shown.

At the step S34, the controller 40 judges a condition that a notification condition is satisfied, for the n-th card selected by the player, by regarding the bonus initial value as a number described on the 0-th card selected by the player. This notification condition is such that “a comparison target number described on that card is greater than a comparison reference number described on the (n−1)-th card selected by the player by a prescribed value or more”. The prescribed value becomes 200, for example. In the case where the notification condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S35, whereas in the case where the notification condition is not satisfied, the gaming machine 14 does not give a prize according to the second game.

A difference between the comparison target number and the comparison reference number is calculated by subtracting a smaller number from a larger number among these numbers. In the case where these numbers are the same, the difference becomes 0. By the steps S33 to S38, a processing cycle is formed. The n-th card selected by the player is a card selected by the player at the step S33 of the current processing cycle. The (n−1)-th card selected by the player is a card selected by the player at the step S33 of the processing cycle that is once previous to the current processing cycle in the case where n is greater than or equal to 2, or a card on which the bonus initial value is described in the case where n is equal to 1.

At the step S35, the controller 40 carries out an effect indicating that the notification condition is satisfied. More specifically, the controller 40 outputs a sound “piroleen” from the speaker 22 as shown in FIG. 10. The controller 40 may display an image of a successful rocket firework (in which a launched firework ball is blasted afterwards) around the n-th card selected by the player (which is the card A4 here), as shown in FIG. 11.

At the step S36, the controller 40 displays a front face of the n-th card selected by the player. Consequently, in the fourth embodiment, the controller 40 displays a front face of a card every time the player selects a card.

At the step S37, the controller 40 judges a condition that a value n of the card selection counter coincides with a prescribed number m, and in the case where this condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S39, whereas in the case where this condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S38. The prescribed number m is 2, for example.

At the step S38, the controller 40 increases a value n of the card selection counter by 1. After that, the controller 40 returns to the step S33.

At the step S39, the controller 40 calculates a total of the numbers described on the cards selected by the player. For example, in the case where the player selected cards A1, A4 and A7, and “300”, “400” and “200” are described on these cards, respectively, as shown in FIG. 16, the controller 40 calculates the total as “900”.

At the step S40, the controller 40 gives a prize corresponding to the total. More specifically, the controller 40 pays as many coins as the total from the payout opening 32. After that, the controller 40 terminates the processing.

The gaming machine 14 according to the fourth embodiment gives a prize according to the second game in the case where the notification condition is satisfied for all the cards selected by the player starting from the first one, so that it can make the player to have a tension at a time of selecting a card, and hence it can make the player to maintain an interest into the card selection.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, the fifth embodiment will be described. The gaming machine 14 according to the fifth embodiment proceeds to the step S36 in the case where the notification condition is not satisfied at the step S34 of FIG. 5. The gaming machine 14 according to the fifth embodiment can give a feeling of safety that a prize according to the second game will be given even when the notification condition is not satisfied, to the player. Note that the gaming machine 14 may set an amount of the prize according to the second game to be less than that of the fourth embodiment, even in the case where the total becomes the same as in the fourth embodiment.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, the sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a processing to be carried out by the gaming machine 14 according to the sixth embodiment.

At the step S40-1, the controller 40 shown in FIG. 3 waits until there is a BET input by the player. At the step S41, the controller 40 executes the first game when a prescribed period of time has elapsed after detecting the BET input or when the start switch 35 is pressed after detecting the BET input.

At the step S42, the controller 40 judges a condition that a prescribed condition is satisfied. In the case where the prescribed condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S43, whereas in the case where the prescribed condition is not satisfied, the processing is terminated. By carrying out a processing of the step S43 and subsequent steps, the controller 40 executes the second game.

At the step S43, the controller 40 acquires eight random numbers from the random number generator 48, and generates eight cards with the acquired random numbers described on their front faces and symbols drawn on their back faces. The controller 40 displays the back faces of the generated cards A1 to A8 on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 8.

At the step S44, the controller 40 makes the player to select any one card among the cards with their back faces shown.

At the step S45, the controller 40 displays a front face of a card selected by the player first (a card selected by the player at the step S44). For example, in the case where the player selected the card A7, the controller 40 displays a front face of the card A7 as shown in FIG. 9. Here, “200” is described on a front face of the card A7.

At the step S46, the controller 40 sets 2 that is an initial value to the card selection counter. This counter is formed in the RAM 43.

At the step S47, the controller 40 makes the player to select any one card among the unselected cards with their back faces shown. The controller 40 displays a frame image B surrounding that card, around the card selected by the player, as shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18. Note that the player is selecting the card A4 second in FIG. 17, and selecting the card A1 third in FIG. 18.

At the step S48, the controller 40 judges a condition that a notification condition is satisfied, for the n-th card selected by the player. This notification condition is such that “a difference between a comparison target number described on that card and a comparison reference number described on any of the (n−1)-th card selected by the player becomes greater than or equal to a prescribed value”. The prescribed value becomes 200, for example. In the case where the notification condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S49, whereas in the case where the notification condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S50.

A difference between the comparison target number and the comparison reference number is calculated by subtracting a smaller number from a larger number among these numbers. In the case where these numbers are the same, the difference becomes 0. By the steps S47 to S51, a processing cycle is formed. The n-th card selected by the player is a card selected by the player at the step S47 of the current processing cycle. The (n−1)-th card selected by the player is a card selected by the player at the step S47 of the processing cycle that is once previous to the current processing cycle in the case where n is greater than or equal to 3, or a card selected by the player at the step S44 in the case where n is equal to 2.

At the step S49, the controller 40 carries out an effect indicating that the notification condition is satisfied. More specifically, the controller 40 outputs a sound “piroleen” from the speaker 22 as shown in FIG. 19. Note that the controller 40 may display an image of a successful rocket firework (in which a launched firework ball is blasted afterwards) around the n-th card selected by the player, similarly as in the first embodiment. In either case of when the comparison target number is larger or smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, the notification condition is satisfied, and the same effect is carried out in either case in the sixth embodiment.

At the step S50, the controller 40 judges a condition that a value n of the card selection counter coincides with a prescribed number m, and in the case where this condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S52, whereas in the case where this condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S51. The prescribed number m is 3, for example.

At the step S51, the controller 40 increases a value n of the card selection counter by 1. After that, the controller 40 returns to the step S47.

At the step S52, the controller 40 simultaneously displays front faces of all the cards selected by the player second and subsequently.

Thus, for example, in the case where “300”, “400” and “200” are described on the cards A1, A4 and A7, respectively, the prescribed value is 200, and the prescribed number m is 3, the controller 40 carries out the following processing. Namely, in the case where the player selected the card A7 first, a front face of the card A7 is displayed as shown in FIG. 9, before the player selects a next card. Then, in the case where the player selected the card A4 next, the controller 40 displays the frame image B around the card A4 as shown in FIG. 17. A difference between the number “400” described on the card A4 and the number “200” described on the card A7 becomes greater than or equal to the prescribed value, so that the controller 40 carries out an effect indicating that the notification condition is satisfied as shown in FIG. 19. Note however that the controller 40 does not display a front face of the card A4, because only two cards are selected at this point. Then, in the case where the player selected the card A1 next, the controller 40 displays the frame image B around the card A1 as shown in FIG. 18. A difference between the number “300” described on the card A1 and the number “400” described on the card A4 becomes less than the prescribed value, so that the controller 40 does not carry out an effect indicating that the notification condition is satisfied. After that, as the player has selected three cards, the controller 40 displays front faces of the cards A1 and A4 selected by the player second and subsequently together (simultaneously), as shown in FIG. 16. Namely, in the sixth embodiment, the controller 40 displays a front face of the card selected by the player first, before the player selects a next card, and displays front faces of the cards selected by the player second and subsequently together, after carrying out effects for all the cards for which the notification condition is satisfied. Note that the controller 40 may display the front faces of the cards selected by the player second and subsequently, sequentially (not simultaneously) at the step S52.

At the step S53, the controller 40 calculates a total of the numbers described on the cards selected by the player. For example, in the case where the player selected cards A1, A4 and A7, and “300”, “400” and “200” are described on these cards, respectively, as shown in FIG. 16, and the prescribed number m is 3, the controller 40 calculates the total as “900”.

At the step S54, the controller 40 gives a prize corresponding to the total. More specifically, the controller 40 pays as many coins as the total from the payout opening 32. After that, the controller 40 terminates the processing.

The gaming machine 14 according to the sixth embodiment simultaneously displays the front faces of all the cards selected by the player second and subsequently, after carrying out effects for all the cards for which the notification condition is satisfied, so that it can make the player to have an expectation as to what kind of a number is described on the card, more strongly than the embodiments described above.

Seventh Embodiment

Next, the seventh embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a processing to be carried out by the gaming machine 14 according to the seventh embodiment.

At the step S55, the controller 40 shown in FIG. 3 waits until there is a BET input by the player. At the step S56, the controller 40 executes the first game when a prescribed period of time has elapsed after detecting the BET input or when the start switch 35 is pressed after detecting the BET input.

At the step S57, the controller 40 judges a condition that a prescribed condition is satisfied. In the case where the prescribed condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S58, whereas in the case where the prescribed condition is not satisfied, the processing is terminated. By carrying out a processing of the step S58 and subsequent steps, the controller 40 executes the second game.

At the step S58, the controller 40 acquires eight random numbers from the random number generator 48, and generates eight cards with the acquired random numbers described on their front faces and symbols drawn on their back faces. The controller 40 displays the back faces of the generated cards A1 to A8 on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 8.

At the step S59, the controller 40 makes the player to select any one card among the cards with their back faces shown. The controller 40 displays a frame image B surrounding that card, around the card selected by the player, as shown in FIG. 20. Here, the player is selecting the card A7 first.

At the step S60, the controller 40 sets 2 that is an initial value to the card selection counter. This counter is formed in the RAM 43.

At the step S61, the controller 40 makes the player to select any one card among the unselected cards with their back faces shown. The controller 40 displays a frame image B surrounding that card, around the card selected by the player, as shown in FIG. 21 or FIG. 22. Note that the player is selecting the card A4 second in FIG. 21, and selecting the card A1 third in FIG. 22.

At the step S62, the controller 40 judges a condition that a notification condition is satisfied, for the n-th card selected by the player. This notification condition is such that “a difference between a comparison target number described on that card and a comparison reference number described on any of the (n−1)-th card selected by the player becomes greater than or equal to a prescribed value”. The prescribed value becomes 200, for example. In the case where the notification condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S63, whereas in the case where the notification condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S64.

A difference between the comparison target number and the comparison reference number is calculated by subtracting a smaller number from a larger number among these numbers. In the case where these numbers are the same, the difference becomes 0. By the steps S61 to S65, a processing cycle is formed. The n-th card selected by the player is a card selected by the player at the step S61 of the current processing cycle. The (n−1)-th card selected by the player is a card selected by the player at the step S61 of the processing cycle that is once previous to the current processing cycle in the case where n is greater than or equal to 3, or a card selected by the player at the step S59 in the case where n is equal to 2.

At the step S63, the controller 40 carries out an effect indicating that the notification condition is satisfied. More specifically, the controller 40 outputs a sound “piroleen” from the speaker 22 as shown in FIG. 23. Note that the controller 40 may display an image of a successful rocket firework (in which a launched firework ball is blasted afterwards) around the n-th card selected by the player, similarly as in the first embodiment. In either case of when the comparison target number is larger or smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, the notification condition is satisfied, and the same effect is carried out in either case in the seventh embodiment.

At the step S64, the controller 40 judges a condition that a value n of the card selection counter coincides with a prescribed number m, and in the case where this condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S66, whereas in the case where this condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to the step S65. The prescribed number m is 3, for example.

At the step S65, the controller 40 increases a value n of the card selection counter by 1. After that, the controller 40 returns to the step S61.

At the step S66, the controller 40 simultaneously displays front faces of all the cards selected by the player. Consequently, in the seventh embodiment, the controller 40 displays a front face of the card selected by the player first as well, after carrying out effects for all the cards for which the notification condition is satisfied. Note that the controller 40 may display the front faces of all the cards selected by the player, sequentially at the step S66.

At the step S67, the controller 40 calculates a total of the numbers described on the cards selected by the player. For example, in the case where the player selected cards A1, A4 and A7, and “300”, “400” and “200” are described on these cards, respectively, as shown in FIG. 16, and the prescribed number m is 3, the controller 40 calculates the total as “900”.

At the step S68, the controller 40 gives a prize corresponding to the total. More specifically, the controller 40 pays as many coins as the total from the payout opening 32. After that, the controller 40 terminates the processing.

The gaming machine 14 according to the seventh embodiment simultaneously displays the front faces of all the cards selected by the player, after carrying out effects for all the cards for which the notification condition is satisfied, so that it can make the player to have an expectation as to what kind of a number is described on the card, more strongly than the embodiments described above.

Eighth Embodiment

Next, the eighth embodiment will be described. In the eighth embodiment, the comparison reference number of the sixth or seventh embodiment is changed to the following number. Namely, the comparison reference number according to the eighth embodiment is a number described on any of the cards selected by the player before the n-th one.

Consequently, in the case where the number on the card selected by the player third is “300”, the number on the card selected by the player second is “200”, the number on the card selected by the player first is “100”, and the prescribed value is 200, a difference between the number on the card selected by the player third and the number on the card selected by the player first becomes greater than or equal to 200, so that the gaming machine 14 carries out effects of the step S49 or S63, when the player selected the third card.

The gaming machine 14 according to the eighth embodiment can make the player to have an interest in all the cards selected by the player before the n-th one.

Ninth Embodiment

Next, the ninth embodiment will be described. The gaming machine 14 according to the ninth embodiment carries out different effects in the case where the comparison target number is greater than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more and in the case where the comparison target number is smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, in the sixth or seventh embodiment.

More specifically, at the step S49 or S63, in the case where the comparison target number is greater than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, the gaming machine 14 outputs a sound “piroleen” from the speaker 22 as shown in FIG. 19 or FIG. 23, and in the case where the comparison target number is smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, the gaming machine 14 outputs a sound “dorolorn” from the speaker 22 as shown in FIG. 24 or FIG. 25. Note that in the case where the comparison target number is greater than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, the controller 40 may display an image of a successful rocket firework around the n-th card selected by the player. Similarly, in the case where the comparison target number is smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, the controller 40 may display an unsuccessful rocket firework (in which the firework ball is launched but disappears without being blasted) around the n-th card selected by the player.

As described above, the gaming machine 14 according to the ninth embodiment carries out different effects in the case where the comparison target number is greater than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more and in the case where the comparison target number is smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more. Consequently, the gaming machine 14 can make the player to have an expectation that wishes for having a number for which a difference with the comparison reference number is as large as possible displayed, in the case where the comparison target number is greater than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more, and make the player to have an expectation that wishes for having a number for which a difference with the comparison reference number is as small as possible displayed, in the case where the comparison target number is smaller than the comparison reference number by a prescribed value or more.

In the above, the embodiments of the gaming machine according to the present invention have been described, but they are merely showing concrete examples and they are not for particularly limiting the present invention, and a concrete configuration of each means and the like can be modified in design appropriately. For example, in each embodiment described above, the controller 40 may display front faces of all the cards selected by the player, and then display front faces of the remaining cards. In this case, the cards selected by the player and the remaining cards are displayed distinguishably, by changing the display colors or the like.

Also, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention merely enumerates the most preferable effects arising from the present invention, and the effects due to the present invention are not to be limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. 

1. A gaming machine, comprising: an effect device having a display configured to display a plurality of cards; a selection switch configured to enable a player to select a card displayed on the display; and a controller configured to (a) judge a prescribed condition upon a credit being bet, (b) display back faces of the plurality of cards with numbers described on front faces of the plurality of cards on the display upon satisfaction of the prescribed condition, (c) enable the player to sequentially select m pieces (m is an integer greater than or equal to 2) of cards from the plurality of cards with the back faces displayed on the display, (d) judge a notification condition for an n-th (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to m) card selected by the player, that a difference between a comparison target number described on the n-th card and a comparison reference number described on any of cards selected by the player before the n-th card becomes a prescribed value or more, (e) cause the effect device to carry out effects indicating satisfaction of the notification condition upon satisfaction of the notification condition, (f) display a front face of the n-th card selected by the player on the display, after the effects are carried out upon satisfaction of the notification condition for the n-th card, or after the n-th card is selected by the player in any other cases, (g) calculate a total of numbers described on the m pieces of cards selected by the player, and (h) provide a prize corresponding to the total.
 2. The gaming machine as described in claim 1, wherein the comparison reference number is a number described on an (n−1)-th card selected by the player.
 3. The gaming machine as described in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to cause the effect device to carry out different effects, for the comparison target number being greater than the comparison reference number by the prescribed value or more, and for the comparison target number being smaller than the comparison reference number by the prescribed value or more.
 4. A gaming machine, comprising: an effect device having a display configured to display a plurality of cards; a selection switch configured to enable a player to select a card displayed on the display; and a controller configured to (a) judge a prescribed condition upon a credit being bet, (b) determine an initial value of a prize to be provided to the player upon satisfaction of the prescribed condition, (c) display back faces of the plurality of cards with numbers described on front faces of the plurality of cards on the display upon satisfaction of the prescribed condition, (d) enable the player to sequentially select m pieces (m is an integer greater than or equal to 1) of cards from the plurality of cards with the back faces displayed on the display, (e) judge a notification condition for an n-th (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m) card selected by the player, that a comparison target number described on the n-th card is greater than a comparison reference number described on an (n−1)-th card selected by the player by a prescribed value or more, by regarding the initial value as a number described on a 0-th card selected by the player, (f) cause the effect device to carry out effects indicating satisfaction of the notification condition upon satisfaction of the notification condition, (g) display a front face of the n-th card selected by the player on the display, after the effects are carried out upon satisfaction of the notification condition for the n-th card, or after the n-th card is selected by the player in any other cases, (h) calculate a total of numbers described on the m pieces of cards selected by the player upon satisfaction of the notification condition for all the cards selected by the player, and (i) provide a prize corresponding to the total.
 5. A gaming machine, comprising: an effect device having a display configured to display a plurality of cards; a selection switch configured to enable a player to select a card displayed on the display; and a controller configured to (a) judge a prescribed condition upon a credit being bet, (b) display back faces of the plurality of cards with numbers described on front faces of the plurality of cards on the display upon satisfaction of the prescribed condition, (c) enable the player to sequentially select m pieces (m is an integer greater than or equal to 2) of cards from the plurality of cards with the back faces displayed on the display, (d) judge a notification condition for an n-th (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to m) card selected by the player, that a difference between a comparison target number described on the n-th card and a comparison reference number described on any of cards selected by the player before the n-th card becomes a prescribed value or more, (e) cause the effect device to carry out effects indicating satisfaction of the notification condition upon satisfaction of the notification condition, (f) display front faces of all the cards selected by the player on the display simultaneously, after the effects are carried out for all cards satisfying the notification condition, (g) calculate a total of numbers described on the m pieces of cards selected by the player, and (h) provide a prize corresponding to the total.
 6. The gaming machine as described in claim 5, wherein the comparison reference number is a number described on an (n−1)-th card selected by the player.
 7. The gaming machine as described in claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to cause the effect device to carry out different effects, for the comparison target number being greater than the comparison reference number by the prescribed value or more, and for the comparison target number being smaller than the comparison reference number by the prescribed value or more.
 8. A method of controlling a gaming machine, the method comprising the steps of: judging a prescribed condition upon a credit being bet, displaying back faces of a plurality of cards with numbers described on front faces of the plurality of cards on a display upon satisfaction of the prescribed condition, enabling a player to sequentially select m pieces (m is an integer greater than or equal to 2) of cards from the plurality of cards with the back faces displayed on the display, judging a notification condition for an n-th (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to m) card selected by the player, that a difference between a comparison target number described on the n-th card and a comparison reference number described on any of cards selected by the player before the n-th card becomes a prescribed value or more, causing an effect device having the display to carry out effects indicating satisfaction of the notification condition upon satisfaction of the notification condition, displaying a front face of the n-th card selected by the player on the display, after the effects are carried out upon satisfaction of the notification condition for the n-th card, or after the n-th card is selected by the player in any other cases, calculating a total of numbers described on the m pieces of cards selected by the player, and providing a prize corresponding to the total.
 9. The method of controlling a gaming machine as described in claim 8, wherein the comparison reference number is a number described on an (n−1)-th card selected by the player.
 10. The method of controlling a gaming machine as described in claim 8, wherein different effects are carried out by the effect device, for the comparison target number being greater than the comparison reference number by the prescribed value or more, and for the comparison target number being smaller than the comparison reference number by the prescribed value or more. 